Alaska News

Are you ready to fly? Ready or not, the holidays are here

Are you ready to fly? Ready or not, the holidays are here -- and it's the busiest time of the year. Let's review a few simple steps to make your trip more enjoyable.

If you've already bought your tickets, take a moment to make sure you have reserved seats. If not, go ahead and call the airline or your travel agent to get some seats assigned -- even if they're in the middle. If you're unable to secure assigned seats, make plans to arrive at least two hours before departure. While you're looking at your itinerary, make sure you check in on the right day. If you're flying on the red-eye (an Alaska tradition), your check-in time is the day before. For example, if you're leaving at 1:00 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 19, your check-in time is at 11:00 p.m. on Dec. 18.

Do you check bags or are you a carry-on-only traveler? If you can swing it, carry-on is the way to go. You can avoid the check-in counter altogether (if you print your boarding passes at home) and you can make a quick getaway once you arrive.

If you must check your baggage, make sure it's labeled on the inside as well as the outside. And don't check anything of value. That includes camera gear, medicine, cash, jewelry and car keys. Thankfully, Alaska's Club 49 allows for two checked bags without additional fees.

Smart travelers get dropped off at the curb -- either in a taxi or from a friend or neighbor. This may not be possible if you're coming from out of town to the airport, but it's worth a try to line up a curbside drop-off. Parking can be tricky during peak travel times.

Do you still dress up to fly? Me too. But it's not the same as going to a fancy party. Super-comfortable is the key, including a light jacket or sweater in case the plane is too cold. My jacket also folds up into a pillow -- since they're no longer available on most flights. I avoid any metal that might set off a metal detector at security.

Speaking of the TSA checkpoints, have you applied for Global Entry yet? The program is designed for frequent international travelers, but the side benefit is that you can use the TSA pre-check line when flying domestically. This is better than being invited by your airline of choice, since Global Entry works with all airlines. Go to the Global Entry site and fill out all the questions. Then you can arrange for a personal interview here in Anchorage. The fee is $100 for five years. But I think it's worth it.

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Here are some of my favorite gadgets that make for a more enjoyable trip:

Noise-canceling headphones: There are several brands available, but my favorite is the Bose QC-15. There's actually a new model out called the QC-25. They cost $300, but they do a good job blocking noise on an airplane. They're also very good headphones for listening to music. Unlike the typical iPhone earbuds, these over-the-ear headphones can drown out the crying baby behind you or the Chatty Kathy next to you. Plus, there's no need to shut off your headphones anymore during takeoff or landing. You can keep them on just like the pilots do.

Smartphone: These days, your smartphone is your portable music player, your camera and your computer all in one. There's not enough room to bring my laptop out of my bag to put on the tray table. Don't forget your charge cord, since Alaska Air's newer planes feature a charger at every seat.

Tablet: You can rent a "digiplayer" on Alaska Airlines, or load up your iPad with shows and movies for the journey. That's good news for you, and it's handy for parents who want to hand-pick the entertainment choices for the kids.

Headlamp: Have you ever sat in a seat where the overhead light was busted? I have, many times. My portable headlamp is a handy solution. I like the ZIPKA model by Petzl (about $40 at Anchorage outdoors retail shops), which features a retractable wire to hold the light on your forehead.

Water bottle: Although you have to dump it before going through security, it's a good idea to take your own water aboard the plane. You have to stay hydrated and the beverage cart only comes by at certain times.

On arrival, do you have a car reserved? If I'm traveling with the family, I try and get a bigger model, just because it's better when everyone has a little more room. If you are a little flexible, consider taking public transportation away from the airport to rent your car. In Portland and Seattle it's a snap. Both cities feature a light rail system to get you into the city center. In Portland, there's an Enterprise office about 12 minutes from the terminal (near NE 102nd Avenue and Glisan Street). In Seattle, I take the train into town and rent from a downtown office. Typically you'll save at least $5 per day, and sometimes much more.

There are other strategies for a comfy trip, but they cost extra money: flying first class, joining the airport lounge or staying at a super-fine hotel. Don't overlook the other free options, though: showing up early to the airport and getting a good night's sleep. Then there's drinking lots of water and remembering to breathe, breathe, breathe. Taking a few deep breaths, especially when you're in a crowded airport, can change your outlook. And sometimes that makes all the difference!

Scott McMurren

Scott McMurren is an Anchorage-based marketing consultant, serving clients in the transportation, hospitality, media and specialty destination sectors, among others. Contact him by email at zoom907@me.com. Subscribe to his e-newsletter at alaskatravelgram.com. For more information, visit alaskatravelgram.com/about.

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